Bird flu, tuberculosis, listeria, and now… measles. What’s up with all these outbreaks? Keeping up with disease outbreaks can be stressful and raises concerns like, “Are my kids safe at school?”, “Was I ever vaccinated?” and “Are we headed toward another pandemic?” Today, we’ll dig deep into what measles is, who can get it, and the preventative measures you can take.

What is Measles?

So, what exactly is measles and wasn’t it eliminated from the United States? Measles also known as “rubeola”, is a highly contagious disease caused by the morbillivirus. While it can affect anyone, it is most common in children. Thanks to a highly effective vaccination program, measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. However, vaccination rates have steadily declined, and measles can be imported from other countries, leading to outbreaks.

Measles is not just a rash, it can cause serious health complications, especially in children under five.

Some symptoms include:

• High Fever
• Cough
• Runny Nose
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Rash

Complications can include:

• Pneumonia (the most common cause of death from measles)
• Ear infections that can result in hearing loss
• Severe diarrhea
• Encephalitis (brain swelling)
• Blindness
• Seizures
• Loss of immune memory

Measles Cases in 2025

According to the CDC, as of February 27, 2025, there have been 164 cases of measles reported in Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, and Texas. Most cases occurred in individuals under 20, and 95% were either unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status. Out of the 93 cases, 86 were outbreak-related, meaning they were part of a cluster of three or more connected cases.

What’s an Outbreak?

A disease outbreak occurs when cases of a disease exceed what is normally expected. Outbreaks can be caused by infections transmitted from person to person, animals, or the environment. They can also result from exposure to chemicals or radioactive materials. To help contain outbreaks, several measures may be implemented:

• Nonpharmaceutical Interventions: Staying home when sick and frequently washing hands or using sanitizer.

• Quarantine: Separating individuals who may have come into contact with an infected person.

• Isolation:  Separating infected individuals from others to prevent transmission.

• Public Space Closures: Closing schools or other public spaces if case numbers rise significantly.

• Food Recalls: If the disease is spread through food, affected products are removed from store shelves.

Are Measles Preventable?

The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The measles vaccine is typically administered to children between 9-18 months of age, followed by a second dose. Anyone who hasn’t received the vaccine is at risk of infection. While practicing good hygiene is always important, vaccination remains the best defense. Studies suggest that if 10 unvaccinated individuals are exposed to an infected person, 9 out of 10 will contract measles.

Management & Treatment

There is no cure for measles and the virus must run its course. Measles will typically take about 10-14 days. Here are some tips to help manage symptoms:

• Pain relief medication such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs (for adults, children must follow recommendations of healthcare practitioner)
• Plenty of rest
• Lots of fluids

Low levels of vitamin A have been linked to more severe measles cases. Consulting a healthcare provider about vitamin A supplementation may help manage symptoms.

The Bottom Line

Measles is a serious yet preventable disease. With cases on the rise, ensuring you and your loved ones are vaccinated is the best way to stay protected. If you’re unsure about your vaccination status, check with your healthcare provider. In a world where outbreaks seem more frequent, staying informed and taking preventive measures can make all the difference.

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